An investigation into the role of guidance and counselling services in selected secondary schools in Tigania division , Meru North district, Kenya

Abstract:

Guidance and Counselling was introduced in secondary schools in Kenya following the Gachathi Report of 1976. The purpose was to help students understand themselves and to discover their abilities and limitation from their environment. This study aimed at finding out how secondary school look at the role of guidance and counselling services and how it can curb discipline.
The study's presentation has been arranged in five chapters. Chapter one, addresses the background information, statement of the problem and objectives of the study. Chapter two makes a review of relevant literature to the study. Chapter three describes the methodology that was employed in sampling, collecting and analysing the data. Chapter four has been dedicated to the analysis of the data and chapter five. Gives the conclusions and recommendations drawn from the study.
The study was carried out in four secondary schools (two for girls and two for boys) in Meru North District. A purposive sample of 8 teachers and a random sample of 132 students participated in the survey. The 140 participants responded to a questionnaire that was given to them. Their responses were tabulated and organized through frequency tables and percentages, and descriptively analysed.
From the survey, it was found that guidance and counselling services though offered in the schools, most of the guidance teachers have a vague understanding of what really it entails or encompasses. The students also do not fully utilize the services and do not understand its role.
The study revealed that since its introduction, the problem of student unrest had not abated. There have been cases of students contracting HIV/AIDS and other venereal diseases, pregnancy cases and prevalence of drugs in schools with wrong friends (peer influence).
The study revealed that since its introduction, the problem of student unrest had not abated. There have been cases of students contracting HIV/AIDS and other venereal diseases, pregnancy cases and prevalence of drugs in schools with wrong friends (peer influence).
The findings demonstrate an urgent need for effective guidance and counselling in school due to the increasing number of orphans due to HIV/AIDS scourge.
The study also recommends that the Ministry of Education establish a strong guidance and counselling division in the ministry to coordinate all guidance and counselling activities in the country. Further research in this area should be carried out to help find and place a clear policy and legal framework for provision of effective guidance and counselling services in our secondary schools or rather in our education institutions